Dona Williams' Obituary
Dona Rhea Ackley Williams passed away Oct. 28, 2025, a few days after celebrating her 98th birthday.
Dona was born on October 20, 1927, in Benton, Illinois, to Carl Herbert and Alice (nee Brown) Ackley. She was the Salutatorian of the 1945 graduating class of Benton Township High School. Not long after, she fell in love and married Bill Dee Williams. They moved to Chicago, where Bill finished college, and afterward settled in Dallas, where they raised their family.
She enjoyed many years of fellowship at Casa View Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School and served others through the DWM, Disciples Women’s Ministry.
Dona’s most cherished memories of work life centered around the counseling office at Skyline High School and the “Got Up and Goners” group from the '70s and '80s. She was fortunate to travel in retirement and loved her Bingo group, Book Club, and Walk to Emmaus girls.
Her greatest joy came from watching her grandchildren grow.
Dona was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jack, sisters Jewell and Necia, and her husband of 50 years, Bill Dee.
She is survived by her son John Williams (Liz), daughter Barbara Williams Spelman (Bruce), grandchildren Archer Spelman, Brian Williams (Laura), Laura Williams Chester (Marcus), and great-grandchildren Claire, Charlie, John Lee Williams, Will, Caroline and Anna Chester.
Graveside service will be at Restland Cemetery (Garden of the Gospels) on Saturday, November 22nd at 3 pm. https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/ Angels gathered at CC Young to provide love and care to Dona in her final years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to CC Young’s Employee Scholarship Program. https://www.ccyoung.org/donate-now/
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
-Psalm 116:15
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